Robert M. Duphiney

Robert M. Duphiney, age 87, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 20th, 2024, at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown. He lived a life full of love, service, and faith, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born in Brooklyn, NY to Herbert R. and Marie (nee-McCormack) Duphiney, Bob spent his early years in the city before moving to Lake Parsippany, then Parsippany-Troy Hills, Montville, and later Rockaway and Denville. Through these moves, he created a home for his family, offering unwavering love and support.
Bob's academic journey was as determined as it was impressive. After graduating from St. Leonard's Academy, he attended City College of New York at night from 1960 to 1968 while raising five children at home, accumulating 100 credits. His dedication to education continued as he graduated from the NY Institute of Finance in 1968 and earned a 4-year certificate in Pastoral Ministry from St. Elizabeth's College.
Bob proudly served in the Army Reserves from 1958 until being honorably discharged in 1963, rising to the rank of Battalion Commander.
His career began as an agent for Delaware & Hudson Railroad, but it was in finance where Bob truly made his mark. He was a stockbroker at Blair & Co. and Hugh Johnson & Co. before joining A.G. Edwards & Sons in 1978, where he became Vice President and Branch Manager. In 2008, Bob co-founded Duphiney Financial Network, where he continued to work as a financial advisor until his retirement at age 82.
Faith and service were the cornerstones of Bob's life. Together with his beloved wife, Mary, he served the church and community for decades. As a couple, they were deeply involved as a Marriage Encounter Team Couple from 1972 – 1978, served on the Marriage Encounter Regional Board as Leaders for the Paterson Diocese from 1976 – 1978 and were Co-Directors of the Family Life Bureau for the Paterson Diocese as well. During the 1980's, they were Spiritual Directors for Married Couples Retreat, Loyola Retreat House, At Home Retreats, Sisters of the Centacle, and the Centacle Retreat House.
Bob and Mary also coordinated numerous ministries at St. Christopher's Parish, where they volunteered for 30 years. They founded programs such as the Lazarus Ministry for Widows & Widowers, Welcome Home Catholics, Parenting Programs, Small Christian Communities and Evening for Parents. For about 17 years, they coordinated the Pre-Cana Program, helping couples prepare for marriage. They also served on the Parish Council for 4 years, contributing to the spiritual growth of the community. As lectors for approximately 15 years and then as Extraordinary Ministers for the following 15 years, Bob and Mary played an essential role in liturgical life, including home visitations and visiting two local nursing homes to bring communion and comfort to the sick. Uninterrupted in their ministry as Extraordinary Minister, from 1981 to 2013, first at St. Christopher R.C. Church and then Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church, their faith and commitment were a guiding light for all who knew them.
Bob and Mary also generously opened their home to young participants of the Antioch spiritual retreats, providing them with a warm and welcoming space to rest, shower, and find comfort during their transformative journeys of faith.
Bob's service extended to Morris Catholic High School's Educational Council, where he worked as the Finance Chair, yet his functions were wide and varied during that time, including "thinking out of the box" to resolve difficult situations. Bob also volunteered at St. Clare's Hospital in the chaplain's office, offering pastoral care to patients of all faiths.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Bob will always be remembered for his unwavering belief in the power of forgiveness. He lived by the principle that true peace comes from letting go and embracing grace, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love and understanding as well as faith, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His gentle spirit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his family and community will never be forgotten.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Margaret (nee-Mernagh) Duphiney, who passed away on August 12, 2022 and their son, Baby Chris.
He is survived by his loving children: Margaret Ecke and her husband, Fred, Robert Duphiney, Jr., Kenneth Duphiney, Jeanne Emanuel, Gerard Duphiney and his wife, Jennifer, Glenn Duphiney and his wife, Sara, Deborah Russ and her husband, Robert, and John Paul Duphiney and his wife, Joanne. Bob was also blessed to be a second father to Aayden and Johnny Merriam.
He leaves behind a cherished legacy of 21 grandchildren: Frederick III, Alyssa, Kayla, Mariah, Julia, Brodeur, Sophia, Kaden, Catherine, Benjamin, Emma, Max, Ella, Maisey, Tessa, Gracia, Griffin, Noah, Collin, Jaxon, Jordan; and 7 great-grandchildren: Jayce, Zander, Capri, Dax, Lunella, Crew, and Lorenzo. Bob is also survived by his dear siblings: James Duphiney, Herbert Duphiney, Patricia McCloskey, and Mary Merriam.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:00a.m. on Monday, December 23rd 2024 at St. Cecilia R.C. Church. 90 Church Street, Rockaway. Interment: St. Ceclia Cemetery in Rockaway. Visiting hours are on Sunday evening from 5-8p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany. (973)887-3235 or visit www.partroyfuneralhome.com. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Catholic Charities, 777 Valley Road, Clifton, New Jersey 07013 or visit https://www.ccpaterson.org/give or to the American Red Cross, 707 Alexander Rd, (Ste. 101), Princeton, New Jersey 08540 or visit https://www.redcross.org/.